The installation cities the costs of necessary upgrades as one reason for the closures.
Frederick, Md (KM) Fort Detrick has announced it will no longer incinerate medical and general waste on the installation.
In statement, the Army post says the costs of making upgrades to its facilities to meet state regulations and monitoring requirements led to the decision to close the incinerators. It also says the components and data systems made by different manufacturers make day-to-day operations and maintenance a challenge.
General trash will be taken to the Fort Detrick landfill which has capacity to last for ten years. But post officials say that will also shorten the life of the solid waste disposal site.
Officials says the tenants on post will use several approaches to dispose of their medical wastes to meet individual needs and comply with state and federal regulations. Numerous safety precautions are in place, including an on site pre-treatment of laboratory materials, followed by packaging and securing shipments as they leave for their final disposal locations, according installation officials.
Fort Detrick says the installation is looking at a potential agreement with Frederick County Government for short term disposal of general waste, along with some long term solutions.
By Kevin McManus